Steps to take when an emergency occurs:
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Count to 10
Tell yourself you can handle the situation.
3. Check for danger.
Protect yourself and the injured person from fire, explosions, or other hazards.
Try to look at the situation as a whole:
- What is the most serious problem and what do you need to do first? The most obvious problem is not always the most serious.
- Treat the most life-threatening problems like bleeding or shock first.
- If you think the person has a spinal injury, do not move him or her unless the danger is great.
- Check for broken bones and other injuries.
If the person is unconscious or does not respond to your voice or touch, be ready to start CPR. (See the CPR section of this topic.)
Call 911 or other emergency services, such as the local fire department, sheriff, or hospital, if you need help.